Togwotee Pass

The avalanche hazard is Low early this morning as temperatures just below or near the freezing point have hardened the surface and temporarily stabilized the snowpack. The hazard will quickly rise to Moderate by the late morning as this hard surface is softened and weakened by sunlight and rapidly warming temperatures. The possibility for natural and human triggered wet slide activity will increase throughout the day and could occur in the form of wet loose or wet slabs. Old weaknesses in the snowpack persist and could be affected by this strong warming event. High avalanche starting zones such as those on Lava and Grouse mountains should be avoided.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Overnight temperatures are to reach close to the freezing point. Snow surfaces will be hard and frozen in the morning and will quickly soften as they are heated by sunlight and increasing temperatures. The avalanche hazard will raise from Low in the early morning to Moderate in the late morning as the chance for wet slides becomes possible. This activity will mainly be wet loose activity in steep terrain, although wet slab activity is possible in isolated areas, and most likely in the togowotee pass area where weaker snow persists.